6 Practical Ways to Lower Your Energy Bills This Winter
It's coming to the time of year when the cold winter nights are starting to settle in, and there's a noticeable chill in the air. Many people think of the peak of the cold snap being around Christmas, but based on my energy bills over the last few years, if anything it seems to be late January/early February where I use the most energy, especially gas for heating.
Over the last few years I've learned a thing or two about lowering my bills, and I'm happy to share these practical energy saving tips here on my blog, in the hope of saving you a few pounds here and there, which can all add up.
My top energy saving tips
Turn your thermostat down a degree - often, this doesn't make much difference to the feel of your room temperature, but it can lower your energy bills. According to the Energy Saving Trust, turning your thermostat down from 22°C to 21°C can save up to £120 a year.
Wrap up warm - throwing on a dressing gown and some fluffy socks can get you warmed up in no time, especially if you're spending a decent amount of time in one or two rooms, to save heating the house.
Learn your energy usage patterns - understand where the peaks and troughs of your energy use are, and look for anything out of the ordinary. Are older and more energy intensive appliances causing your bills to rocket, and could it be worth replacing them with more energy efficient models?
Use technology to save you money - if you have smart bulbs and devices, set up schedules and automations to maximise savings. If you have smart thermostats such as Hive or Nest, use their apps to monitor and manage your energy usage and settings.
Watch out for emails from your energy provider about saving sessions and power downs - they sometimes offer incentives if you're willing and able to shift your energy from peak times.
Make sure your tariff fits your energy usage - if you're more of an off-peak user, there are tariffs available which can help to lower your unit rate. Consider exploring fixed tariffs to lock in a price for the next 12 to 18 months if you're looking for stability, but check for exit fees, and bear in mind a fixed deal can cost more if prices fall.
These are just some of my favourite energy tips, which I've implemented in my own home. Some are free, and some require a bit of time and investment, so pick and choose the ones you'll use based on your own circumstances.
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